Placement

Mathematics Placement

Because much of collegiate mathematics and computer science is built on high school mathematics, the recommended background for students in these areas is two years of algebra, a year of geometry, and study in analytic geometry, trigonometry, functions and probability. A study of calculus is not required. Even with these courses, the transition from high school mathematics to college mathematics can be difficult. The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science assists in this transition by having a mathematics placement program to help make this transition easier.

General Placement

Since incoming students will have a wide variety of backgrounds and interests, all admitted first-year students take the mathematics placement examination during the summer orientation program, before registering for courses. Both the student's mathematical background and academic interests are used to make a recommendation for an appropriate mathematics course to be taken in the fall. The ACT's Compass Placement Exam is used; sample questions may be found here and here.

Advanced Placement in Mathematics

Any student who scores sufficiently well on the Advanced Placement Examination in Calculus (AB or BC) will receive credit for as much as two semesters of calculus. This will enable these students to start in either the second or third semester of calculus on their arrival at Valparaiso University.

The Department also offers a separate calculus placement examination which can be taken at the student's request. This can be done either during the summer or upon arrival in the fall. Students scoring well enough on this examination will receive four credits for first-semester calculus if they receive a grade of C or better in the second-semester calculus course.

Placement in Computer Science

Any student who scores sufficiently well on the Advanced Placement Examination in Computer Science (A or AB) will receive credit for as much as two semesters of computer science. This will enable these students to start in either the second or third semester of computer science on their arrival at Valparaiso University.